Using effective web-based tools to address cancer health care disparities.

Abstract

76 Background: Most of the World’s cancer patients live in non-English speaking world. However, there is a lack of authentic web-based cancer informational tools in non-English language, especially in low and middle-income countries. With increasing access to internet, there is an emergent need to democratize health information in native languages. The senior author was sensitive to this unmet need and created a comprehensive cancer website in Malayalam, a language spoken by more than 35 million people (www.keralacancercare.com). We describe the steps in creating the web resource and provide data on its use across various web and social media platforms. Methods: The senior author produced educational video sessions and cancer literature in Malayalam language. The website had three main sections – cancer basics, cancer A-Z and cancer FAQs. Cancer basics section contained sections on various basic cancer information such as types of malignancies, definitions, staging, symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic tests and screening. It also included sections on various treatment modalities, treatment side effects and information on cancer risk reduction, genetics and prevention. Cancer A-Z section contained instructional videos on major cancers. Cancer FAQs addressed common cancer myths and questions. A social media profile along with contact information through email service was also launched. The total cost incurred for development of such a web-based tool with presence on social media was less than USD 1500. Results: Since the launch of the web resource in May 2017, the website has now been accessed by more than 5000 unique visitors from 84 countries. More than 50 cancer related questions have been addressed since the launch. The web views of some of the brief informational videos such as ‘how to reduce risk for cancer’ has been viewed more than 150,000 times in social media pages. Conclusions: Creating authentic cancer informational web-based tools will have an immediate impact on addressing cancer healthcare disparities around the world. National and regional cancer societies must foster and encourage creation of novel healthcare informational tools that can truly democratize and empower people.